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The Fire Serpent Legacy
Magic, danger, and heart collide in this middle-grade adventure as Auri Braga risks everything to raise a fire-serpent in secret and save the Amazon from destruction. Perfect for fans of Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez and The Last Beekeeper!
Auri Braga isn’t much of a fighter—not like her parents, who rode the legendary Boitatás, protecting the Amazon and its people. But when she discovers a fire serpent’s egg, Auri knows she can’t stand on the sidelines anymore. Her parents believed the egg should be in Brazil, so Auri isn’t going to stop until their last wish is fulfilled—even if she has to hide the truth from her family. But getting to the egg safely to the guardians is easier said than done, and when it suddenly hatches, it’s Auri’s turn to be a hero: to protect the new fire serpent and help him save her family’s homeland from destruction.
Auri Braga isn’t much of a fighter—not like her parents, who rode the legendary Boitatás, protecting the Amazon and its people. But when she discovers a fire serpent’s egg, Auri knows she can’t stand on the sidelines anymore. Her parents believed the egg should be in Brazil, so Auri isn’t going to stop until their last wish is fulfilled—even if she has to hide the truth from her family. But getting to the egg safely to the guardians is easier said than done, and when it suddenly hatches, it’s Auri’s turn to be a hero: to protect the new fire serpent and help him save her family’s homeland from destruction.
- GenresFantasyMiddle Grade
256 pages, Hardcover
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
Cindy L. Rodriguez
11 books133 followersHi! I’m Cindy L. Rodriguez. My books are: WHEN REASON BREAKS (2015), VOLLEYBALL ACE (2020), DRILL TEAM DETERMINATION (2021), GYMNASTICS PAYBACK (2021), THE DOOMED SEARCH FOR THE LOST CITY OF Z (2021), THE MOUNT EVEREST DISASTER OF 1996 (2022) and THREE POCKETS FULL: A STORY OF LOVE, FAMILY, AND TRADITION (2022). I also have an essay in LIFE INSIDE MY MIND: 31 AUTHORS SHARE THEIR PERSONAL STRUGGLES (2018), and I have contributed to DOLL HOSPITAL #2. Coming in 2024 is LOLA REYES IS SO NOT WORRIED. I work for an educational publisher and live in CT with my husband, daughter, and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 30, 2026
Read: July 24th - July 29th
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
I seriously hate giving this book a 2 star, but I put it on 2X speed at the end to finish it sooner, so I feel like that's a good indication giving it 3 stars isn't super honest 😭 I will admit that perhaps my rating would have been different as a pre-teen, but, well.. There were just too many strange things that didn't get explained that should have, even at an MG level, that adult me couldn't ignore.
For the good, I enjoyed the exploration of identity and activism. I also always love seeing mythical creatures that aren't just the same-old-same-old (even if I do adore dragons). The various relationships in this were quite wholesome. Auri's connection with her Boitatás especially was fun to explore since it's a good old human-mythical-creature-bond 👌🏼
Now, for the issue. Up until the very end, the Boitatás and guardian plotlines just felt very tacked on. More of it was the exploration of Auri and her desire to know more about her parents and culture. By the time that the plot really did roll around with the fantastical elements, I was too busy scratching my head on the logistics of it all. What exactly did the guardians do with the Boitatás? Just ride up to deforestation people all threateningly??? Kill them??? How did the existence of the Boitatás actually stop anything without resulting in bloodshed? It's only been a decade-ish since they were last seen, and its like they just vanished from history.
But I always just came back to WHAT DO THEY DO??? WHY DO PEOPLE NOT KNOW THEY EXIST??? I know it's MG, and that it's fantasy, and that suspension of disbelief is there, but it was just too much. And no, it doesn't matter that it's MG. Even MG has a way to explain the fantastical, even if not always super in depth. Because I was so caught up in the logistics of everything, I was too grumpy to really enjoy the plot, because all it did was add to my frustrations and desire to KNOW.
This book has some elements I think are really important, such as themes and exposure to different cultures (or ones' own culture, if they are of it), so I do feel bad for the rating, but in terms of personal enjoyment, I just could not get over how tacked on and underdeveloped the fantastical element was.
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ALC in exchange for an honest review!
I seriously hate giving this book a 2 star, but I put it on 2X speed at the end to finish it sooner, so I feel like that's a good indication giving it 3 stars isn't super honest 😭 I will admit that perhaps my rating would have been different as a pre-teen, but, well.. There were just too many strange things that didn't get explained that should have, even at an MG level, that adult me couldn't ignore.
For the good, I enjoyed the exploration of identity and activism. I also always love seeing mythical creatures that aren't just the same-old-same-old (even if I do adore dragons). The various relationships in this were quite wholesome. Auri's connection with her Boitatás especially was fun to explore since it's a good old human-mythical-creature-bond 👌🏼
Now, for the issue. Up until the very end, the Boitatás and guardian plotlines just felt very tacked on. More of it was the exploration of Auri and her desire to know more about her parents and culture. By the time that the plot really did roll around with the fantastical elements, I was too busy scratching my head on the logistics of it all. What exactly did the guardians do with the Boitatás? Just ride up to deforestation people all threateningly??? Kill them??? How did the existence of the Boitatás actually stop anything without resulting in bloodshed? It's only been a decade-ish since they were last seen, and its like they just vanished from history.
But I always just came back to WHAT DO THEY DO??? WHY DO PEOPLE NOT KNOW THEY EXIST??? I know it's MG, and that it's fantasy, and that suspension of disbelief is there, but it was just too much. And no, it doesn't matter that it's MG. Even MG has a way to explain the fantastical, even if not always super in depth. Because I was so caught up in the logistics of everything, I was too grumpy to really enjoy the plot, because all it did was add to my frustrations and desire to KNOW.
This book has some elements I think are really important, such as themes and exposure to different cultures (or ones' own culture, if they are of it), so I do feel bad for the rating, but in terms of personal enjoyment, I just could not get over how tacked on and underdeveloped the fantastical element was.
August 8, 2026
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
This book was a slow start for me, but I grew to enjoy the glimpses of Brazilian culture, Auri's journey to assertiveness and bravery, and the fire serpent's adorable antics.
I really liked that it showed how, in ways legendary and ordinary, we can each do our part to protect the environment.
CW: lying, sneaking around. Grief and loss.
This book was a slow start for me, but I grew to enjoy the glimpses of Brazilian culture, Auri's journey to assertiveness and bravery, and the fire serpent's adorable antics.
I really liked that it showed how, in ways legendary and ordinary, we can each do our part to protect the environment.
CW: lying, sneaking around. Grief and loss.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What worked:
Auri’s parents died when she was an infant, and she compares her life to a puzzle with missing pieces. Many books save the truth about lost parents until later, but readers learn early that her father rode a fire serpent and protected the Amazon jungle. She realizes that the large egg displayed in her grandmother’s cabinet holds the last fire serpent and wants to follow her parents’ wishes by returning it to Brazil. Auri feels an electrical charge up her arms when she touches the egg, which lets readers know she has a special connection with the Boitatás. Readers will anxiously await the moment the egg hatches, giving the story a jump start.
The book weaves elements of the Portuguese/Brazilian culture and the Amazon Forest into the story. The importance of the rainforest to Earth's survival is emphasized, and deforestation is the main conflict in the plot. The characters prepare Portuguese dishes, and Auri and her sister learn about unique fruits and foods found in Brazil. Auri’s aunt mostly speaks Portuguese, and Auri’s sister has refreshed her knowledge of the language to become fluent. Portuguese words and phrases add authenticity to the story, and readers can figure out most of their meanings using the context. Auri also interprets some of the vocabulary, although she struggles with the language herself.
The conflict is complicated by Auri’s uncle, since he’s a major player in the destruction of the local environment. Auri’s grandmother goes so far as to warn Auri to stay away from her uncle, because he’s a dangerous man. In addition, a group of Amazon protectors used to support the efforts of the Boitatás, but they’re no longer active. Many of them think it’s most important to save the last Boitatás, which is why Auri’s grandmother took the egg to the United States. Consequently, Auri doesn’t know who might be willing to help her and the newly hatched Boitatás. Some people will want Sergio taken out of the country to keep him safe, but Auri is determined to stop the deforestation.
What didn’t work as well:
Sergio’s reaction to Auri after hatching is a little confusing. The tingling she feels when touching the egg implies they’re already forming a bond, yet the Boitatás is defensive and frightened toward Auri when they first meet. They quickly become close, but that initial meeting is surprising.
The final verdict:
This exciting adventure addresses a real-world issue: deforestation. The issue may be news to many young readers, but the book’s message is vitally important for them to hear. I recommend you try this book for yourself.
Auri’s parents died when she was an infant, and she compares her life to a puzzle with missing pieces. Many books save the truth about lost parents until later, but readers learn early that her father rode a fire serpent and protected the Amazon jungle. She realizes that the large egg displayed in her grandmother’s cabinet holds the last fire serpent and wants to follow her parents’ wishes by returning it to Brazil. Auri feels an electrical charge up her arms when she touches the egg, which lets readers know she has a special connection with the Boitatás. Readers will anxiously await the moment the egg hatches, giving the story a jump start.
The book weaves elements of the Portuguese/Brazilian culture and the Amazon Forest into the story. The importance of the rainforest to Earth's survival is emphasized, and deforestation is the main conflict in the plot. The characters prepare Portuguese dishes, and Auri and her sister learn about unique fruits and foods found in Brazil. Auri’s aunt mostly speaks Portuguese, and Auri’s sister has refreshed her knowledge of the language to become fluent. Portuguese words and phrases add authenticity to the story, and readers can figure out most of their meanings using the context. Auri also interprets some of the vocabulary, although she struggles with the language herself.
The conflict is complicated by Auri’s uncle, since he’s a major player in the destruction of the local environment. Auri’s grandmother goes so far as to warn Auri to stay away from her uncle, because he’s a dangerous man. In addition, a group of Amazon protectors used to support the efforts of the Boitatás, but they’re no longer active. Many of them think it’s most important to save the last Boitatás, which is why Auri’s grandmother took the egg to the United States. Consequently, Auri doesn’t know who might be willing to help her and the newly hatched Boitatás. Some people will want Sergio taken out of the country to keep him safe, but Auri is determined to stop the deforestation.
What didn’t work as well:
Sergio’s reaction to Auri after hatching is a little confusing. The tingling she feels when touching the egg implies they’re already forming a bond, yet the Boitatás is defensive and frightened toward Auri when they first meet. They quickly become close, but that initial meeting is surprising.
The final verdict:
This exciting adventure addresses a real-world issue: deforestation. The issue may be news to many young readers, but the book’s message is vitally important for them to hear. I recommend you try this book for yourself.
August 7, 2026
🔥 If you could protect an endangered magical creature and save an entire rainforest, would you be brave enough to risk everything?
The Fire Serpent Legacy by Cindy L. Rodriguez is the kind of middle grade fantasy that reminded me why I love stories where adventure and heart go hand in hand. This story swept me into a vibrant world inspired by Brazilian folklore, where courage isn't about being fearless, it's about choosing to do what's right even when you're terrified.
I immediately connected with Auri because she doesn't see herself as the hero. Unlike her legendary parents, she doubts her own abilities, and that made her journey feel incredibly genuine. Watching her step outside her comfort zone to honor her parents' wishes and protect a newly hatched fire serpent was inspiring from beginning to end.
The baby fire serpent absolutely stole my heart. Every scene with this magical creature made me smile, but it also raised the stakes as Auri fought to keep him safe from those who would threaten both him and the Amazon. The adventure never slowed down, and I found myself eagerly turning pages to see what challenge would come next.
What made this story even more meaningful for me was how naturally it weaves together environmental conservation, family, identity, and Brazilian mythology. The magical elements are exciting, but the message about protecting our natural world gives the story an emotional depth that lingers long after the final page.
If you're looking for a fast-paced middle grade fantasy filled with unforgettable creatures, rich folklore, courageous heroes, and an adventure that celebrates protecting the Amazon, The Fire Serpent Legacy deserves a place on your bookshelf. It's a story that entertains while reminding us that even the smallest acts of courage can make a lasting difference.
💙 A heartfelt thank you to StoryGram Tours, HarperCollins, and Cindy L. Rodriguez, for sharing this wonderful book with me.
The Fire Serpent Legacy by Cindy L. Rodriguez is the kind of middle grade fantasy that reminded me why I love stories where adventure and heart go hand in hand. This story swept me into a vibrant world inspired by Brazilian folklore, where courage isn't about being fearless, it's about choosing to do what's right even when you're terrified.
I immediately connected with Auri because she doesn't see herself as the hero. Unlike her legendary parents, she doubts her own abilities, and that made her journey feel incredibly genuine. Watching her step outside her comfort zone to honor her parents' wishes and protect a newly hatched fire serpent was inspiring from beginning to end.
The baby fire serpent absolutely stole my heart. Every scene with this magical creature made me smile, but it also raised the stakes as Auri fought to keep him safe from those who would threaten both him and the Amazon. The adventure never slowed down, and I found myself eagerly turning pages to see what challenge would come next.
What made this story even more meaningful for me was how naturally it weaves together environmental conservation, family, identity, and Brazilian mythology. The magical elements are exciting, but the message about protecting our natural world gives the story an emotional depth that lingers long after the final page.
If you're looking for a fast-paced middle grade fantasy filled with unforgettable creatures, rich folklore, courageous heroes, and an adventure that celebrates protecting the Amazon, The Fire Serpent Legacy deserves a place on your bookshelf. It's a story that entertains while reminding us that even the smallest acts of courage can make a lasting difference.
💙 A heartfelt thank you to StoryGram Tours, HarperCollins, and Cindy L. Rodriguez, for sharing this wonderful book with me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Auri's life has too many missing puzzle pieces. She barely remembers her parents, who died when she was very young, and is desperate to connect to them somehow. Little does she know that the decorative egg in her grandmother's cabinet holds the key not only to her parents but to a much larger mission! When Auri discovers that her parents had been fire serpent riders she's stunned. But not nearly as stunned when she realizes that pretty egg is an unhatched fire serpent, a Boitata!
When it's decided that Auri will travel with her older sister to Brazil to visit relatives, Auri realizes this her chance to return the fire serpent to its rightful home, the Amazon.
That's as far as I'll take you into the fast-moving plot lest I spoil anything.
Filled with humor, heart, and a truly inspiring sense of determination, Auri challenges not only those in power who would see the Amazon destroyed for profit, but her expectations of herself.
Rich world-building based on Brazilian folklore melds perfectly with a wonderful sense of humor, and the very real-world issue of the deforestation of our precious forests.
A wonderful read for lovers of fantasy, folklore and the safety of our precious natural resources.
When it's decided that Auri will travel with her older sister to Brazil to visit relatives, Auri realizes this her chance to return the fire serpent to its rightful home, the Amazon.
That's as far as I'll take you into the fast-moving plot lest I spoil anything.
Filled with humor, heart, and a truly inspiring sense of determination, Auri challenges not only those in power who would see the Amazon destroyed for profit, but her expectations of herself.
Rich world-building based on Brazilian folklore melds perfectly with a wonderful sense of humor, and the very real-world issue of the deforestation of our precious forests.
A wonderful read for lovers of fantasy, folklore and the safety of our precious natural resources.
August 9, 2026
There’s a special place in my heart for coming‑of‑age stories where the protagonist is a real kid carrying real‑world problems, only to find the world knocking harder with magic, danger, and legacy. The Fire Serpent Legacy fits beautifully into that space.
Auri Braga is a girl searching for identity in the midst of family strain, cultural expectations, and the quiet ache of not knowing where she belongs. When she discovers a mysterious egg, her world cracks open—revealing history, magic, and a lineage she never expected. Rodriguez crafts a vivid blend of real‑world grounding and fantastical wonder, building a cast of characters who feel warm, complicated, and deeply human. And yes, the Boitatá absolutely steals the show.
Inés del Castillo’s narration brings Auri to life with tenderness and fire. Her performance guides listeners through a story pulsing with danger, family, and the fierce determination of a new generation refusing to inherit silence. She captures the emotional truth of a girl stepping into power while honoring the pain woven into the bones of those who came before.
This audiobook is fast‑paced, heartfelt, and full of magic—perfect for readers who love middle‑grade adventures where courage grows in the cracks left by generational hurt.
Auri Braga is a girl searching for identity in the midst of family strain, cultural expectations, and the quiet ache of not knowing where she belongs. When she discovers a mysterious egg, her world cracks open—revealing history, magic, and a lineage she never expected. Rodriguez crafts a vivid blend of real‑world grounding and fantastical wonder, building a cast of characters who feel warm, complicated, and deeply human. And yes, the Boitatá absolutely steals the show.
Inés del Castillo’s narration brings Auri to life with tenderness and fire. Her performance guides listeners through a story pulsing with danger, family, and the fierce determination of a new generation refusing to inherit silence. She captures the emotional truth of a girl stepping into power while honoring the pain woven into the bones of those who came before.
This audiobook is fast‑paced, heartfelt, and full of magic—perfect for readers who love middle‑grade adventures where courage grows in the cracks left by generational hurt.
July 28, 2026
Thank you HarperAudio Children’s, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this book. This is a wonderful Brazilian inspired fast paced middle grade adventure full of magic, well developed characters, the Amazon Rainforest, and parts of Brazilian culture such as Portuguese phrases and foods. The real world issue of deforestation is addressed and the importance of the rain forest to the environment is emphasized. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. The narration was clear, smooth, and well paced. I enjoyed this interesting story and liked the way the issue of deforestation and environmental destruction is introduced to the young readers in the way that they would understand. I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction, but especially to the middle grade readers this book is intended for.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A new heroine is hitting the shelves! A strong emphasis on conservation and deforestation awareness, with a side of South American folklore, this new fantasy book is sure to hook kids from all walks of life.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews